For the next PBEM, I am proposing a variant of the Red Star Over The Gulf - Divide and Conquer scenario from Naval Sitrep #48. The Soviet forces are two escorts and three merchants. Iranian forces are two warships and maybe a few aircraft. That means we could have 2 Soviet (blue) players and 2 or 3 Iranian (red) players.

 

The scenario will take place in the middle of the Persian Gulf, with the Blue objective to run to Kuwait to deliver war cargo, and the Red objective is, of course, to stop them.

 

We could build this scenario with Blue side selecting their escorts (within reason--from ships that were actually in the gulf at the time). This will be known to Red side since their passage into the gulf would be easily observed by the Iranians. Red side could select their attack force based on their estimation of what it would take to achieve the objective of sinking the merchants. Blue side would not know the force composition until they attack.

 

What do you guys think?

I'm game, though having just played, if you get flooded with interest I'm willing to sit it out if need be.

I am definitely up for this.

 

Also, if you want to look at the original scenario before kmart494's changes, Sitrep #48 can be bought in PDF form here.

I want to add an air element to the mix just to test the process of using them. An ongoing discussion with Larry Bond reveals the best way to run either a live miniatures or PBEM game is to keep to tactical turns for as much as possible. That speeds up game play. Engagement turns would be executed when precise movement and fire is needed. But, standing orders would dictate the details of how those things work, such that a player would not necessarily have 15-second control over their forces.

 

BTW, I have been reviewing the Krivak data and they make a pretty good escort. It does not have much offensive punch, but it has a good Sea Skimmer Capable SAM system. Since the objective for the Soviets is largely defensive, I can see why the original scenario has them.

 

EDIT: It appears that one of the original scenario Krivaks is armed with the SS-N-14d which has an ASuW capable torpedo. Hmmm, now that is interesting.

It appears that one of the original scenario Krivaks is armed with the SS-N-14d which has an ASuW capable torpedo. Hmmm, now that is interesting.

 

Not an ASuW capable torpedo, but it adds a decent sized unitary charge to the existing torpedo warhead, and acts like an antiship missile instead of dropping the torpedo.

Well, that's kind of weird but still interesting.

I ought to have added that I do like the 'build a scenario' concept. Its something that has been touched upon in Harpoon before, but has suffered from follow-through. I would like to see it work.

Well then, I need two volunteers for Blue and up to three for Red.

 

Tonight I will post a list of ships that Blue may use for their escorts.

Although still willing to make room for others, I'm more than happy to volunteer for, let's say, blue this time.

Sign me up for a Blue spot.

Ok. Yishten and CV32 are Blue side.

 

You guys can pick two escorts from this list, but only one ship of any given class.

 

Sovremenny, Udaloy, Kashin, Krivak I (SS-N-14c), Krivak I (SS-N-14d), Natya minesweeper.

 

You will be escorting three merchants. The slowest of them is 16 kts.

i don't love the idea of a pre-Gauntlet Udaloy, but a Sovremennyy is hard to pass up, and/or a Krivak could have a role.

i don't love the idea of a pre-Gauntlet Udaloy, but a Sovremennyy is hard to pass up ...

Strongly agree. First pick is yours.

I'm keen to have a go - happy to have the Red air.

 

I am an experienced H4.1 player/referee.

Ok, Dylan. You got Red air. We just need two Red ship captains.